Great Dog or Bad Dog? Chihuahua Pros and Cons.

Most people who are familiar with Chihuahuas agree that they are the best dogs ever! They’re cute, loyal, and go with you almost everywhere. Most people also agree that these little guys take a lot of time and effort to train, which is both good and bad. For those looking for an unusual companion, one full of vigor and boldness the chihuahua might be for you. Here are some Chihuahua pros and cons to think about before deciding if this breed is right for you.

A Little About Chihuahua

Chihuahua is a breed of toy dog. This breed is believed to have originated in Mexico and was actually named after the state of Chihuahua. They were initially bred as companion dogs and it is believed that they may have been domesticated as early as 7000 years ago. It is said that these dogs were owned by the Toltec civilization which flourished before the 15th century. Chihuahuas are small, hairy dogs that live to be about 15 years old.

Like most dog breeds, the temperament of the Chihuahua may change over time. It depends on the dog’s environment and training.

Things to consider before getting a Chihuahua

A Chihuahua is a great pet for first-time dog owners. They are small, so they do not require as much room to live in. They are also very affectionate and will be happy to spend time with you. Although Chihuahuas are small, they are not suitable for homes with children under the age of five.

Buyers of a Chihuahua should also be aware that while the dogs are small, they can still get into trouble if they are not properly supervised. Chihuahuas are also very territorial. If you own a cat, it is always best to keep them separate in order to avoid fighting or injury to either animal. Chihuahuas are very social animals and need plenty of attention from their owners. These dogs can become shy and nervous if they do not get enough attention. Some Chihuahuas may even develop behavioral problems such as separation anxiety because they get too lonely while left alone.

Adopting vs buying a Chihuahua

The decision to adopt or buy a chihuahua often depends on the circumstance. If one already has a dog and is looking for a companion, adopting a chihuahua may be the best option. But if one does not have a dog and wants a house pet to keep them company, buying a chihuahua may be the best option. Again, both ways are great! There is nothing wrong with adopting a chihuahua and there is nothing wrong with buying one. What matters is that one is able to find the right companion for them.

Types of Chihuahuas

How many types of Chihuahuas are there in the world? Different Chihuahua breeders across the world have different opinions regarding the number of pure breeds available in the market. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes three types of Chihuahuas. Below are some of the papular varieties of Chihuahuas.

Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

The smooth-coat Chihuahua’s hair is flat and close to the body with no undercoat. This breed’s small, compact body is covered with a satin-like coat of straight, smooth hair. This breed has round eyes that are dark brown in color. The muzzle of this dog breed is rounded and medium-sized. The ears are big and pointy. The legs are short. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a tip. The hair of this dog is soft and does not shed much.

Long-Coat Chihuahua

The long-coat Chihuahua has a soft, wavy coat that can range in color from fawn to red to chocolate brown. The long-coated dog is the original Chihuahua and is hardier than its short-haired counterpart. Long-coat Chihuahua puppies are born with a coat of long, sleek hair. It is not uncommon for the thick undercoat to develop after about three months of age. Many owners choose to trim the long-coat Chihuahua puppy’s hair, although this is not required.

Apple Head Chihuahua

The Apple head chihuahua is a small breed of dog, specifically a toy dog with a flat forehead, distinctive ears, which slope slightly downward. It’s also known as the Applehead Chihuahua, the Appie, the Apple, or the Applehead. As one might suspect from its name, it has a round apple-shaped head that is larger than its body size.

Deer Head Chihuahua

Deer Head Chihuahua breed gets its unique name from the shape of its head which resembles that of a deer. This breed is also called the drop-eared toy chihuahua due to its fold-down ears. This dog was first produced in Mexico by crossing the Chihuahua with the Yorkshire Terrier.

Teacup Chihuahua

The teacup Chihuahua is a special variety of the Chihuahua dog breed. They are generally more difficult to care for than larger Chihuahuas, due to their small size. They are often called “teacup” or “toy” Chihuahuas but are not a separate breed. In other countries, these dogs are called by other names, such as Chihuahuita or Miniature Chihuahua. They were bred from small-sized parents to be toy dogs.

Chihuahua Pros And Cons

When it comes to Chihuahuas, there are many pros and cons. They are very intelligent, however, that is sometimes a con because they will use their intelligence to escape.

Pros of Owning a Chihuahua:

1: Loyal

Chihuahuas are loyal, loving, and calm. Chihuahuas also have a very strong personality and will not back down from a fight. They are very territorial and will protect their space. Chihuahuas are very loyal to their owners, making them great watchdogs.

2: Protective

Chihuahuas are known for their protective nature, which makes them good watchdogs. They can be aggressive, though. They bark at the slightest of disturbances and tend to act like they’re bigger than they are.

3: Easy To Groom And Maintain

Chihuahuas are easy to groom and maintain. Keep their nails trimmed and clean the ears regularly. Use a good quality dog shampoo to wash them if you want. Their coat is thick and wiry. It might take a couple of washes before it loses its odor, but this is a really good way to eliminate the smell because it will also help control shedding as well. One problem that you will need to be aware of is their delicate legs.

4: Very intelligent

Chihuahuas are very intelligent with great senses. They know when your coming home and will be ready to greet you with happy puppy eyes. They can learn to do tricks with ease and can be trained very easily if you give them the time they need.

5: Perfect Pets For Apartment Living.

Chihuahuas are perfect pets for apartment living since they don’t require a lot of space to run around. They are happy to spend most of their time snuggled in your lap if you let them. Just be prepared for the onslaught of cuteness when you decide to add a Chihuahua into your family. These little dogs also enjoy cuddling with their owners on the couch, so they’re great for people who want a loving companion without a lot of excessive barking or chewing.

Cons of Owning a Chihuahua:

1: Not good with other animals

They are very aggressive towards other animals, including cats and dogs. In fact, many Chihuahuas develop a strong dislike of other dogs. In general, Chihuahuas have a strong dislike for strangers and new people. While Chihuahuas can be excellent watchdogs, their small size makes them ineffective as guard dogs. However, they will bark to alert you if a stranger is around.

2: Bark a Lot

Chihuahua Can be noisy when barking and they bark a lot. That’s true. But they can be trained to stop barking. I have one and he only barks when people knock on the door or when I’m not home! You can also teach your dog the command “quiet”. This command is useful to stop your dog from barking. Place your fingers in front of your dog’s nose when he begins to bark and tell him “quiet”. Wait until your dog stops barking, then give him a treat. Repeat this several times until your dog has stopped barking.

3: Careful around the small children

You should be careful when you introduce them to kids, especially if the dog is young. It’s best to teach children how to behave around dogs since kids are usually unaware of the fact that these are smaller dogs who are easily scared. Children are more at risk from being accidentally sat on or knocked over by an excited Chihuahua than being harmed by the dog itself. A playful Chihuahua will not intentionally bite children.

4: Not tolerant of hot or cold weather

Chihuahua is not tolerant of hot or cold weather and, if left in an unheated car in the cold, may die from hypothermia. However, they do not tolerate heat very well and will quickly succumb to heatstroke if left in a parked car or on a warm surface for any length of time. Under some conditions, such as heatwaves, they can be expected to suffer more than other dogs.

5: Health Issues

They are small so they don’t need as much food, but this can be a con if they don’t exercise enough because they will become overweight. Chihuahuas are generally healthy, but some hereditary conditions to be aware of are heart problems, thyroid disease, and water on the brain. Teacup Chihuahuas, however, are prone to more health problems than other Chihuahuas because of their small size. Teacup Chihuahuas can suffer from epilepsy, hypoglycemia, heart problems, and eye problems. Buyers of Teacup Chihuahuas need to be careful about the conditions of where they buy their puppy from.

We hope you have an idea of Chihuahua Pros And Cons after reading this. We really hope that we have provided a solution to all your needs to choose the best dog for you and your family. And if you find this useful, please don’t forget to share it with your friends!

FAQ – Chihuahua Breed

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